Monthly Archives: January 2012

Toughie No 711 by Busman

The wheels on the bus go round and round

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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****

Busman returns to the Toughie fold after a nine-month absence with an excellent puzzle. I have complained in the past about some of his puzzles being too easy, but this one hits the right level for a Tuesday puzzle.… Read More

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26776

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ***

Last Tuesday’s puzzle inspired a volley of complaints about its difficulty but I’m pretty sure that we won’t have the same reaction today. This one is a bit of a pussycat but it’s ideal for those trying to get to grips with what cryptic crosswords are all about.… Read More

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26775

Hints and tips by Digby

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***

I get to review another Monday Rufus today, while Mme. Libellule’s recuperation continues. This one was typical of what we have come to expect – light and breezy, with nothing to get heated about.… Read More

Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 103

A Puzzle by Alchemi

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Bigging It Up

Welcome back to Alchemi with a fun filled feast of anagrams (15) and other clues. The review is a little brief as I am heading off for the Cruciverbalists’ Convention (aka drinking) at the Bridge House.… Read More

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26774 (Hints)

Big Dave’s Crossword Club

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Three years ago today I set up this blog, and the first post was published the following day – some hints for Toughie 86. Since then we have seen over 5,000,000 page views, with a record daily total of 10,504 a week ago today. … Read More

Toughie No 710 by Osmosis

Gnisrever hcum ooT!

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment ****

Greetings from the Calder Valley. Today’s Friday Fiend is Osmosis who produces some of the most challenging Toughies, and today’s is no exception. This is quite a beast of a puzzle and I struggled for a while to get a foothold after entering a couple of answers wrongly (IN TUNE at 20 down and KINDLE at 21 ac).… Read More

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2623

A full review by Gnomethang

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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****

Afternoon All! I have recently flown through these reviews due to work commitments and today was no exception. Having attempted to slow down and smell the roses I must urge anyone reading this to look at these clues in isolation and marvel at the superb surface readings that make perfect sense and mostly either perfectly define the answer or else completely mislead.… Read More